Imagine my semi-surprise when I heard AKA Lounge in downtown Orlando was closing on Nov. 30? I mean, I was there just last week and to be honest, the funky upstairs bar was pretty dead. Even the pineapple and vanilla vodka and rum and Coke I ordered both tasted off, almost like the bartender didn’t even care at that point. That’s probably because she knew they were closing?

Who knows? But the bar, that has served as a venue for everything from spoken word to break dancing to country bands is definitely closing according to its owners. In a message I received, they’re taking the “essence” of AKA Lounge over to their new venture 57 West on the other side of Pine Street (AKA is located on East Pine Street). A final party will take place on Nov. 30. I’m waiting to hear back on more information, but I will be sad to see the bar close, simply for how beautiful the space is. I really hope someone nabs it fast, it would be a shame if that were to leave our nightlife landscape.